Charles M. Duren, United States Army Lieutenant, was a white officer in charge of Company D, 54th Massachusetts (Colored) Infantry, which fought in the Battle of Olustee in Florida. Duren was from Bangor, Maine. He enlisted in the Massachusetts Volunteers at the outbreak of the Civil War and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in July, 1863. He participated in Burnside's expedition to North Carolina, the Battle of Newbern, the Battle of Olustee, and the occupation of Jacksonville, Florida. In 1864, while on the staff of General Hallowell, he was shot in the knee and thrown from his horse, breaking his leg. He was honorably discharged for disabilities in 1865, but never fully recovered. Charles M. Duren died on March 19, 1869, at age 27.

This collection contains letters written by Charles M. Duren, stationed in Jacksonville, to his parents. The letters were written between February and April 1864. Two letters mention the Battle of Olustee and all the letters are written in the vicinity of Jacksonville. They recount the conditions of the camps and movements of his men around Jacksonville. The collection also contains transcriptions of the letters and one special order.